Museveni responds to Mwenda criticism over Nuwagaba case

President Yoweri Museveni has defended his decision to intervene in the case of Stephen Nuwagaba, a young man he says was a victim of torture and mistreatment by elements within the security forces.

In a lengthy statement, Museveni accused journalist Andrew Mwenda of misrepresenting the matter and diverting public attention from what he described as deeper challenges involving corruption and misconduct within some security agencies.

The President said Nuwagaba came to him as a victim of alleged torture and had received medical treatment locally and abroad. He said investigations had been initiated into claims that some security personnel were involved in the alleged abuse.

Museveni warned security agencies against human rights violations, saying torture, extrajudicial actions and abuse of power are inconsistent with the principles of the liberation struggle and undermine national security.

He, however, said security forces must continue fighting corruption and criminality, arguing that some individuals within government institutions have compromised the country’s progress.

The President criticised Mwenda’s commentary on the matter, accusing him of focusing on issues that distract from major national challenges such as corruption, service delivery failures and misuse of government programmes.

Museveni also defended the government’s intelligence structures, saying both formal and informal channels have played roles in addressing national security threats and exposing wrongdoing.

He cited Uganda’s economic transformation efforts, including growth in agriculture, industry and value addition, as achievements that should not be overshadowed by criticism.

The statement comes amid public debate over allegations of human rights abuses, accountability within security agencies and the role of government institutions in protecting citizens.